Sarah West is a therapist, nature guide, writer, artist, and naturalist, living in the wild beauty of Moab, Utah.

Her work bridges several disciplines, weaving together trauma healing, somatics, soul work, mindfulness, nature therapy, shadow work, depth psychology, wilderness vigils, and expressive arts healing.

Sarah's diverse academic background in archaeology and human evolutionary ecology, along with her immersion in indigenous wisdom traditions, contributes to the depth of her work.

To see Sarah's artist website, please visit: www.sarahwestfineart.com

Certifications and Training

SARAH WEST is a Registered Somatic Therapist and Educator through (ISMETA).

Somatic Therapy

  • Somatic Therapy Training Program with Sondra Fraleigh at Eastwest Somatics Institute. Nervous System Repatterning, Expressive Arts Healing, Excavation of Body Memory, Ecosomatics, Dance Movement Therapy, Movement Imagery, Dancing Dreams, Metamorphic Dance, Focusing, and Contact Unwinding (2016-2020).

  • Land-to-Water Yoga Training.

  • Trained in Somatic Bodywork: Feldenkrais and Craniosacral.

Internal Family Systems (IFS): Trauma Therapy

  • IFS Therapy Certification IFSCA Training with Derek Scott (2023)

  • Working with Unattached Burdens in IFS Therapy with Robert Falconer (2023)

  • Healing Medical Syndromes using IFS with Lissa Rankin and Dick Schwartz (2023)

  • Somatic Parts Work Certification with Francis Booth (2022)

  • IFS Circle: An introductory online program (2021)

Animas Valley Institute: Nature-based Soul Work

  • Wild Minds Training Program. Soulcentric Dreamwork, Coming Home to an Animate World, Wild Minds, The Art of Mirroring and Council, Courting the Muse, Soulcraft, and Wilderness Vigil. (2019-2021)

  • Shadow Work Training (2021)

  • Co-led Animas Valley Institute group Wilderness Vigil (2021)

Somatic Experiencing: Trauma Therapy

  • Principles of Somatic Experiencing (2021)

  • Healing Trauma: Restoring the wisdom of the body with Peter Levine (2020)

  • Yoga as a Neurobiological-based Therapeutic Strategy with Joann Lutz (2020)

Polyvagal Institute: Nervous System Theory

  • Polyvagal Theory: A Neuroscience View Explaining Reactions to Safety and Threat with Dr. Stephen Porges, course (2020)

Hakomi Institute: Somatic Psychotherapy

  • Somatic Trauma Healing with the Hakomi Method with Manuela Mischke-Reeds, (2022)

  • Hakomi Mindful Psychotherapy: An Experimental Introduction (2022)

Mindfulness Meditation

  • Mindfulness Meditation Teacher Training with Tara Brach & Jack Kornfield (2019)

  • Led the Zion Canyon Meditation Group, facilitated weekly sitting meditation, mindful walking, mindful eating, compassionate communication, and council (2015-2020)

  • Participated in 10 multi-day mindfulness meditation silent retreats (2015-2020)

Yoga

  • Spirit Rock Yoga Teacher Training Program, 200 hours with Djuna Devereaux, Tias Little, Leslie Booker, and Ann Cushman (2019)

  • Eastwest Somatics Institute Yoga Teacher Training Program, 500 hours Somatic Land-to-Water Yoga with Sondra Fraleigh (2018)

  • Gaia Tree Yoga Teacher Training, 200 hours, Springdale, Utah (2017)

Dance

  • Studied and practiced various forms of dance including: Modern Dance, Butoh, Metamorphic Dance, Authentic Movement, Ecosomatic Dance, 5Rhythms, and Contact Improv (2002-2023)

Wilderness Guiding

  • Professional Wilderness Guide Training, Zion Guru (2018)

Wilderness First Responder

  • Wilderness Medicine of Utah, weeklong WFR intensive with Brian Essig (2021)

University Education

  • Masters Program Human Evolutionary Ecology, University of Utah, Studied indigenous people cross-culturally

  • B.S. Anthropology and Archaeology, University of Utah

PERSONAL PRACTICES

My life has been deeply enriched by years of practicing various mind-body, earth-based, somatic, artistic, and contemplative practices.

This includes my exploration of body-centered meditation and yoga for embodied presence, and dance to access the hidden language of my soul.

My life as an artist offers me a deep respect for the potency of creative expression, art for healing, and the inherent wisdom held within each person.

My connection to the earth, the spiritual dimension of nature, and my kinship with the animate world, has deepened my sense of the interconnectedness of life, and offered me immeasurable guidance, solace, and wisdom.

My commitment to living my soul’s path has been profoundly influenced by embarking on regular solo wilderness vigils.

And my dedication to my personal healing, transformation, beauty-making, and living a life with meaning and reciprocity further informs all I do.

“The doors to the world of the wild Self are few but precious. If you have a deep scar, that is a door, if you have an old, old story, that is a door. If you love the sky and the water so much you almost cannot bear it, that is a door. If you yearn for a deeper life, a full life, a sane life, that is a door.”

—Clarissa Pinkola Estés

-Let’s Work Together-

Heal personal and intergenerational trauma. Engage with your shadow self with compassion. Discover the beliefs that don't resonate with your true self. Break free from the influences that limit you. Find healing and connection in nature. Uncover your unique gifts to serve the world in a way only you can. Live a life that reflects your most authentic and expansive nature.

KIND WORDS

“What sets Sarah apart is her ability to listen not just with her ears, but with her heart.  She never judges or dismisses, but instead creates a safe space where each part of my inner world feels heard and accepted. She is an expert at attuning to and validating every part of my mind and heart. Each session with Sarah is revelation, filled with insightful questions that gently guide me towards deeper understanding. I trust that, if you work with Sarah, she will help you to navigate your inner landscape with compassion and understanding as well.”

—Greta

“Beyond her impressive knowledge, Sarah's true gift lies in her exceptional listening skills and compassionate heart. Her calming presence exudes genuine care, creating a safe space for me to explore my trauma wounds. She's a phenomenal teacher who empowered me with tools to manage my anxiety and navigate my relationships with newfound confidence. If you're seeking a therapist who combines skill with genuine empathy, Sarah is a true gem."

—Deborah

“I've been doing IFS therapy with Sarah for 6 months and during this time, she's helped me get in touch with the part of me who yearns to commune with the wild. There's something very special about the way Sarah relates with the Earth, and I knew she would be a powerful wilderness vigil guide. She prepared me generously - always deferring to me, my soul calling, and my instincts. I felt so wholly supported, encouraged, and championed by this badass, loving, gifted, and experienced woman! This vigil has changed my life in countless ways I'll be discovering for years to come."

—Jacqui

“Sarah is an endless river of love, compassion, and wisdom. She cares deeply for the earth and all life and dedicates her life to helping others. Love is the power that drives her and love is what she gives. Working with her is to work with a great soul with a great heart and is a huge privilege.”

-Micheal

"The time will come when, with elation you will greet yourself arriving at your own door, in your own mirror and each will smile at the other's welcome.”

— DEREK WALCOTT